The simple, yet life-affecting question nearly every student wonders at some point between applying and registering for college is: how can I pay for this? And with tuition costs rising at about double the rate of inflation, it’s a reasonable question to ponder. According to CNN Money, tuition at the average public university jumped 8.3% in 2011 to $8,244. Here are 5 ways to save money on college:

1. Apply for Grants and Scholarships
There are a number of grants and scholarships out there receiving so little attention they’re going un-awarded. Search cultural, religious, and professional organizations for annual scholarships that are under the radar. Nothing good is free, and applying for scholarships is no different. They won’t cost you money, but they do take time. Do yourself a favor and get started searching for scholarships today. Here is a good place to get started.

2. Establish In-State Residency
Paying out of state tuition year after year can be incredibly expensive. On average, an out of state student pays roughly 35% more in tuition than his/her in-state counterpart. Each state has different requirements for establishing residency, but it’s a good idea to consider residency before attending an out of state university. Take a look at each state’s requirements here.

3. Buy Used Text Books
This needs no explanation, but is a great way to save a few dollars each semester. You may run into some trouble with highly specialized courses that are constantly changing, but used textbooks should be available for most of your general ed courses. The university bookstore will have a good supply of used textbooks, as will websites like half.com and chegg.

4. Take General Ed at Community College
Don’t underestimate the power of a good Junior College. The average tuition at a JC this year was $2,963, compared to $8,244 at a university. Most general education courses are much cheaper at a community college, but if your pursuing a degree or intend to pursue a degree, make sure the courses you take transfer to your university.

How do you save money on college? We would love it if you shared. Cheers to Knowledge!